I love this event!! I really enjoy that it goes through some of the scenic parks and trails as well as the smooth, flat, residential areas. I didn't know what to expect when I had heard that the last 2 turns had been removed from the course, but I wound up loving the straight shot to the finish chute. It is a great event, and a wonderful course for a first time Half Marathoner and and event I will be coming back to year after year, health permitting of course!

This event is always a fun time. It was my third time running it. My only gripe is that this event should be held on Saturday morning every year. Us out of towners don't want to drive back 4 hours away after the race. This also affects the individuals attending church on Sunday mornings. Myself and a number of other out of towners would appreciate if this was held on Saturday yearly. The course is very flat which is nice and the weather this year couldn't have been better

I did see the ones you were referring to. Those I believe were there just to mark the course and turned backwards to not make a big deal of the numbers on them (I think those are used for the Race the Lake Bike race) The ones that were used to mark the miles for us as runners were all turned to face us. I did the half marathon and saw some of the markers for the 5K, I never saw mile 13 but I may have been a bit preoccupied with trying to get across the finish line and didn't really notice them.

This was my first time running this 5K. The course was great. However, my only suggestions for next year are that the course has mile markers along the way and that the event isn't held quite so early in the morning. Those who had to drive from out-of-town to the event (like myself) had to get up really early. I was ready for a nap before the race even started! Other than that, it was a great time : )

Jen McElroy - I only saw the 2-mile cone on the 5k course, it was on the sidewalk along the outside of a building. It would perhaps be nice if they had an elevated sign of some sort at each mile.

Plusses:

I loved the changes to the finish-line approach; it was perfect for a final sprint into the chute.

The weather this year was fantastic.

Changing packet pickup/expo from the hotel to the convention center was a good thing. Too bad they had to be out in the hallway on Sunday morning.

Race volunteers were awesome! The course and water stations were well-manned and there was a dedicated group of people continuously refilling the post-race munchies.

Beer at 8 am, is there anything more to be said?

Minuses:

I also didn't like that the race was run on Sunday. It's my guess that the day and start time of the race were changed with the city residents in mind, since there is less car traffic on Sunday's and the race courses do cross most of the streets which go over the river, tying up traffic.

They ran out of shirts, mine will be mailed to me.

I agree with another poster who said they wished for wave starts. Yes it was crowded until the courses split off. Again this was likely due to traffic concerns, both car and race; most of the 5k participants were off their course before the half-marathon runners started coming in.

Overall, a great race. Only real issue was having to stay on the sidewalk going over the Main St. bridge at the end of the course. The sidewalk is narrow with a steep drop and passing 1 person was difficult, passing 2 people running abreast was impossible. Made for a frustrating finish for those of us who save a bit of energy for the end. Suggest being able to run on the road going over the bridge next year as that will make passing easier.

This was my first time doing this particular race. It was fantastic. However, if we could ask all walkers to stay on the right or left hand side of the road that would be wonderful. There was way too much maneuvering and congestion, especially in the beginning part of the race.

Last year I had such a great time at this event. This year we had some problems right away! We were very disappointed that although we pre-registered we did not receive a gift bag or shirt. We were so proud last year wearing the shirt and getting those products it was a pretty big disappointment for my friend and I. I'm unsure if we will return next year.